I’m a car expert

A SAFETY expert has explained exactly how to avoid deadly mistakes when cleaning kids' car seats.

As a child passenger safety technician and mom, Emily Roberts has endless driving tips and motors knowledge.

Roberts reminded her audience that properly washing a car seat is not just important for hygiene, but also for the safety of your children,

If you use improper materials, you can create wear and tear on your seat and cause a malfunction during a crash.

This means that finding the proper technique and soap for the job is crucial to driving safety.

In a recent TikTok, Roberts (@countrykidscarseatsafety) said the most important thing you can do after buying a car seat is read the manual.

"Read it before you need it," she said while holding up a manual. "Read your car seat's manual before you are in a gross situation."

Most manuals ask that you use mild soap for cleaning, as some products can damage the seat.

"Typically that refers to a cleaner with a neutral pH - it's neither acidic nor basic," she said.

"Acids are corrosive and basics are caustic, and both of those can eat away at your harness fibers and damage other components of your car seat, even if you can't see it with the naked eye."

Roberts suggested using Dawn dish soap, baby wash, or laundry detergents with no additives when cleaning the seat.

"Please remember that natural and neutral are not the same thing," she said. "Vinegar is natural, but is extremely acidic and will damage your car seat."

Roberts went on to recommend getting rid of bad odors by setting the seat out in the sunlight for a day.

And to clean out crevices, Roberts said that you could get a large popsicle stick and cover it with a wet cloth to reach into tight spaces in the corners.

"A crevice tool on the vacuum cleaner is also a great way to get dry material out," she said.

"And never ever use a hose or a pressure washer on your car seat."

Her tips come as a mechanic has shared how to maintain an oftentimes overlooked part of your car.

TikToker Bangs 2nd shot garage said that the car's throttle could cause serious issues if it's neglected for long periods of time.

According to the mechanic, a lightning bolt sign on the dash is a clear indication that the throttle needs to be looked at.

It should be cleaned once or twice per year as it is a very expensive part and would be pricey to replace.

Mechanics on social media offer lots of tips to drivers for DIY maintenance and car repairs.

One mechanic with 55 years of experience has shared dozens of videos, including this clip about how to save thousands on DIY repairs.

Another car expert shared his tip for changing a broken side view mirror on a budget – in 60 seconds.